IN THIS ISSUE:

Road to Wheeling

Puppy Love

Keeping Busy

Where We’ve Been

She’s Special Needs

ON THE COVER:Hailey Bagne

GREYHOUND ACTION LEAGUE OF BUFFALO GAL-ZETTEPublished quarterly.

EDITOR:Mark Caughel

PHOTOGRAPHY:Karen RoheLoretta MillerJanet StoefenNicole ArgueMark Caughel

For inquiries, email to: gactionl@aol.comFor newsletter submissions, email to mcaughel@aol.com

Please visit our website: www.greyhoundactionleague.com

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2 On The Road to Wheeling‘Tails’ from the track and kennels.

3-4 AdopteesOne word- Jimmy.

5-6 Puppy LoveOh, I guess they’ll never know- unless they read the article.

7 Spare PartsThe Island of Misfit articles.

8 Keeping BusyLots to do- if you know where to look.

9 RetireesA perfect pair of pups.

10 The Loss of a FriendA tribute to a great friend and ad-vocate for greyhounds.

11-12 Where We’ve Been We got around, and then some.

13-14 Running FreeWe remember our lost friends.

15 She’s ‘Special Needs’No, not Laura, we’re speaking about Bull Run, a brood mom.

16 Picture PageOne of these photos is not like the other, one of these photos doesn’t belong.

CONTENTS

on the road to wheeling kathleen pascucci 2

I am proud to say that I have been an active volunteer with GAL’s for almost three years now. I have gained a great amount of enjoyment from partici-pating in the numerous fundraising and social activities that are sponsored by the organization each month. I also have gained an added bonus of forming amaz-ing friendships with other volunteers and have had the honor of meeting their loving and gentle greyhounds. Throughout my involvement with GALs I have often heard many volunteers discuss their trips to Wheeling West Virginia and how much enjoyment and knowledge they have gained from seeing a live grey-hound race. So, when this year’s Wheel-ing trip was announced for May 15th I couldn’t have been more eager to express my interest in tagging along for the ride. Our day started bright and early and we were on the road at 7am. Laura was an incredible tour guide and pointed out many interesting facts as we headed down. We arrived in Wheeling around noon and were greeted by Wayne and Cheryl who train many of the greyhounds that were racing. Wayne and Cheryl graciously showed us around the trace and allowed us to see the greyhounds get weighed in and prepped for the races.

I was amazed at the excitement the greyhounds illustrated as they were walked onto the race track and placed into their designated starting gates. We could hear the barking in anticipation to begin the race. Once the alarm went off and the gates opened I was stunned by the speed of the dogs. I knew greyhounds reached a speed of 40 mph but to see it up close was a rather unique experience to say the least! Before I knew it the

race was over and the greyhounds were being taken back to their kennels.

If given the opportunity I highly recom-mend making a trip to Wheeling to experience a greyhound race first hand. I greatly enjoyed my trip and feel I have gained a new level of passion for these amazing creatures that I would not have had the opportunity in any other form. I feel fortunate for this opportu-nity and look forward to educating potential foster homes and adoption families on the remarkable and astounding qualities of these animals.

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3Jimmy Bakowski - (Assemble) - Well, Jimmy’s pa-tience has paid off. He waited for just the right some-one and Don came along! Jimmy is enjoying his new family and life as a single dog. He has agreed to share his space with felines Ben & Jerry. A Hearty congratu-lations to both Don and Jimmy. Thank you to foster mom Marilyn Johnson.

Booker Coleman – (Gable Sonny G) – Booker retired from WV and TX and was cited as the ‘best foster dog’ by the McDonald Family. Full of sweetness and per-sonality he quickly found his forever home with the Coleman family.

Gus Dunn – (JJ Motormouth) – Gus finished his racing career in IA and was highly thought of at the adop-tion kennel. Gus traveled to Buffalo and after being fostered by the Dunn family they all agreed that will be his permanent home.

Simon Empringham - (Super C Simon) – Simon was waiting awhile for a group to take him when we met him in the Wheeling adoption center. He enjoyed his foster family so much he has decided to stay on with the Empringham Family.

Dime Forman (Nancy Knows Pups) – Former racer from MA, WV and FL, Dime was in need of a home after the passing of her first mom (and Name Sake) Nancy. Love at first sight by both parties, Dime was taken home and fostered by Linda and is now a perma-nent part of the Forman Family.

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Runner Knox - (Marina Run) – Runner competed in some stiff competition at both Dubuque and Bluffs Run IA. He retired at the end of the season due to his age. After being fostered by the Empringhams, he found his forever home with littermate sister Heidi as part of the Knox Family.

Goldie Matyevich – (Golden Yarrow) – After racing in CO and WV, Goldie resided on a greyhound farm waiting to learn her next fate. She was happy to come to Buffalo and become part of an experienced grey-hound family that included another greyhound and two children to play with.

Jacob Matyevich – (Gable Jacob) – A trainer favor-ite, Jacob retired from WV and had first raced in TX. Friendly and self assured, he was given four thumbs up by his foster home Lynch-Johnt. Jacob secured his own special greyhound family with the Matyevich’s.

Anna Munro – (Heber Springs) – Anna was looking for just the right home that would appreciate her zest for life, well she found her match with greyhound & basset siblings and is now part of the Munro Family.

Smudgey Ragau – (Boc’s Smudge) – Smudgey raced in FL and IA. Transported by his assistant trainer, Smudge made his way to Buffalo. Fostered by the Pikes he then found his forever home with the Ragau Family.

Acknowledgement: Congratulations to the follow-ing dogs that were placed by GINA in Canada: Flat Out Wingy, Rascal Toby, Allure, AJN Esther Rose, I’m Already Gone, Gable Johnny and Cry Karson.

janet stoefen puppy love5

Little did I know that on the morning of March 2nd, my life would change. I had been feel-ing down in the dumps because I had a special needs greyhound puppy for 10 months and had to put her to sleep in late November because we couldn’t get the seizures to stop. Sharon called and said that Tim Waller wanted to talk to me. Tim had an 8 week old greyhound puppy that fell on the ice and broke her leg. Tim said, “I’m sorry to ruin your day.” I said, “You just made my day, I didn’t know how sad I had been without a puppy in my life.” My friend and I traveled to Dubuque to pick Bailey up. I was so happy. When we walked in the dog barn, I saw her immediately with her cone on. She was so beauti-ful and tiny. Thursday morning was vet day. She

weighed 12.8 lbs. and had a tibia/fibula fracture and needed to go to Chicago. On Tuesday March 8th, Bai-ley came home from her big surgery. She loved to bite and wanted to run. Try telling a puppy that she can’t be crazy and has a broken leg. The baby gates went up around the house and she was leash walked to potty. I have had seven greyhound puppies over the years, and didn’t realize where all of this was heading. I got a phone call from Sharon Palm, president of CIGA, and she said that Laura from GAL knew of another grey-hound puppy at Wheeling. I had a weak moment and said, “Yes, I’ll do two!” Along comes Beau, who traveled from Wheel-ing WV to Buffalo NY on Saturday March 19th, and then from Buffalo NY to Chicago IL on Sunday March

puppy love (continued) 6

Of the two puppies, Beau is laid back. He enjoys lying around in a chair or in the bed with you. The closer he can get to you the better. If Beau hadn’t of broken his leg, I don’t think he would have made it racing. Bailey on the other hand is the pistol of the bunch. She is into everything and doesn’t stop. If there is something for her to get in to, she will find it. She is the one who goes into the bathroom and comes running down the hall with the toilet paper in her mouth unwinding the roll. She also stands on my bed to check if the tissue box is uncovered so she can steel a few. Once Bailey has started something, Beau will usu-ally join in. In the puppy wrestling wars, Bailey usually starts it, but Beau finishes it. Beau now weighs in at 41 lbs. and Bailey is 36.6 lbs. He is taller and has longer legs. He is a smiler and really knows how to show his teeth, even when fighting with his sister. Even with numerous wrestling matches throughout the day, they have never spilled a drop of blood. Beau will crawl across the bed toward you and give you a big smile.. What an experience! My son said, “Mom, how come no one ever told us that it was easier with two puppies!” Like they say; “double your pleasure, double your fun”. We have found that it is much easier to have a greyhound puppy when there are two of them. I would never turn down a puppy. They are a lot of work, and they are definitely not couch potatoes. They are nothing like an adult greyhound. But I wouldn’t trade them for anything. There are definitely ups and downs, but definitely more ups than downs. Being a nurse for 34 years has helped immensely in caring for the puppies. I am upset because Bailey is hav-ing trouble with her growth plate on her tibia, which has stopped growing way too early, while the fibula is continuing to grow. Beau is currently in a splint for two weeks because in his running around the yard, he now has a greenstick fracture of his second toe of his right rear leg (the good one). Bailey may need another surgery to fix the fibula issue. I love greyhounds, and I really love the greyhound puppies! I want to thank all of the wonderful people who helped these beautiful greyhound puppies, Greyhound Action League, Cen-tral Illinois Greyhound Adoption, and all of the grey-hound angels who sent these two to me.

20th, and finally from Chicago, IL to Davenport, IA on Friday April 8th. Now the task of having two grey-hound puppies full of energy and neither one believing that their leg was broken. Little did I know that it is so much easier with two greyhound puppies. Instead of chewing on my arms and feet, they now just chew on each other. These two pups wrestled all the way home to Davenport. What a trip! They fell asleep just as we drove into town. Beau was born December 27th, and Bailey was born December 29th. Being two days apart, they are just like littermates. There were a few things to learn, how to keep them from crawling under the bed, how to keep them from jumping, how to keep them from biting each other’s new surgically repaired leg and convincing them that they had broken legs. My older dogs were in shock. Try telling three 13 year olds and a 5 year old greyhound that these pups will eventually be couch potatoes and they won’t run around biting them for-ever. My older dogs did not appreciate the baby gates to keep the pups in confined spaces. I was in love with them from the start. I have been busy every waking moment. Getting dressed is fun, I turn around and my pair of socks disappeared. I end up chasing them to get my socks back. We are still finding socks all over. In fact, they have gotten so smart that when I open my sock drawer, they are there to grab socks and run. They chase each other around the yard. They play tug of war with toys. They really like skeins of yarn. I have a tub with my extra yarn in and they grab the skeins and run, shaking them and tearing the paper labels off of them. My 22 year old son said, “Mom, none of your yarn has labels any more, you can’t tell what color it is.” One morning I was sitting in my bedroom while the puppies were playing on the 3 season porch off of my bedroom. The two of them were taking all of the skeins of yarn out of the tub, throwing them in the air and unwinding them around the porch. I looked on the porch and saw two puppies so tangled up that if I took time to grab a camera, they would get hurt if one of them moved. It looked like a scene from “The Ugly Daschund” the Disney movie from years ago. I laughed so hard, tears were flowing. I had never seen two pups so tangled and just standing still not moving.

spare parts 7

Dash and Save Those Receipts!

GALs is collecting register receipts from Dash’s mar-kets. We can save turn them in for cash as a fundrais-er. So if you shop at Dash’s or know someone that does, please forward them to GAL, 214 Dean Rd, Depew NY 14043, or drop off at any event to Laura, thanks.

The Golden Sprayer Award

Like so many of us, have you ever wondered if there is an award for a tireless volunteer and dog washer? You bet there is! The Golden Sprayer Award, or the ‘Nozzie’ is awarded to the person best displaying excellence in the mixture of hot and cold water. This year, we’re showering praise on Doug Empringham, whose sore back and wet feet stand as enduring reminders of the many hundreds of dogs that have passed through his slippery hands. Not just a veteran of greyhound baths, Doug has also withstood the multi-breed smorgasbords that are the GAL Glam Days, proving he’s always willing to scoop up a golden doodle or a shih tzu. Congratulations, Doug, you have the thanks of a thousand clean and tick-free dogs.

GAL-Wear

What a positive response we received from folks wanting to promote the GALs through apparel. In the past we had T-shirts and sweatshirts, but this spring we were able to offer two embroidered items, a polo shirt and a zippered fleece. Orders for them were high. We did purchase a couple of extras and once they are gone, that’s it. Currently available are two, medium sized polo shirts in blue, the cost is $20. We also have one medium fleece jacket, and one in size X-large both of those are charcoal, the cost is $29. If you are interested, contact Laura at 867-9822.

SPRAY IT, DON’T SAY IT: Doug proudly dis-plays his nozzle.

keeping busy laura pike 8

So adoptions are slow, what do you do? Keep working hard, promoting and educating. Continue to help greyhounds by being proac-tive. Sure, we can sit back and say there are only a few applications, oh well. Not the GALs! We need to con-tinue to help the hounds whether it is directly placing them or networking. Our friends to the north, Greyhounds In Need of Adoption (GINA) have been quite busy this, their tenth year. We have been fortunate to assist with managing transports, driving, washing and even in a few cases doing some short term fostering.Loads for 2011 have taken place February, March, May, June, July, August, and October. We have even transferred dogs November and Decem-ber. Dogs have come from West Virginia, Florida, Alabama, and Iowa. Loca-tions have included Tracks, Farms and Pet owners. Special needs dogs include a broken leg hitching a ride from Birmingham to Louisville. GAL volunteers met with Central Illinois Greyhound Adoption (CIGA) folks to hand her off so she could get the required orthopedic surgery. At the same time a male with a muscle injury hitched a ride to GReAT in Buffalo who was able to take him into their adop-tion program. Beau, the sweetest puppy ever, came from a West Virginia farm to Buffalo briefly and was then driven to Toledo to meet CIGA volunteers so he could get his leg repaired. Pets from Florida came to Buf-falo where some stayed, and others continued on to Canada for re-homing.

Yes, we sure have been busy. There are always ways to help the hounds. Think positive, and refuse to become lazy. We would also like to congratulate Grey-hounds In Need of Adoption (GINA) on their Tenth year of doing greyhound adoptions. A dedicated

organization based with hard working and compas-sionate volunteers, GINA has worked very hard find-ing homes in Toronto and the surrounding areas for retired racers. Their Tenth Year has been a busy one with GINA doubling the amount of greyhounds adopted. Not all the dogs GINA adopted were easy place-ments. They found homes for several greyhounds with multiple injuries including broken legs. A goal of Adoption Coor-dinator, Jennifer was to introduce Brood Moms to their adopters. With that, two Broods found wonder-ful families. I also need to acknowl-edge that GINA helped a personal friend of mine, by finding homes for her

three greyhounds. When I received the call back in April and Nancy asked if I would find new homes for her dogs because she was ill, we discussed asking GINA for help. Nancy said that she trusted them if I did. One email to Jen explaining the situation which she, then forwarded to Blair received an immediate response of Yes from both. I want to thank all the folks of GINA that took care of the extra special greyhounds. To Allure, Esther Rose, GoneGone and their families, I know Nancy is smiling down on you all.

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Mr M is an May 2010 boy. This white and black youngster came directly from the farm. An injury to the wrist area decided his fate of retiring before schooling or racing. Mookie is progressing well in foster care. He had to learn crates, stairs and even living inside vs. outside. He is puppy-like in tendencies and would do best with another dog to help with his confidence level. His sweetness is worth the extra effort. INQUIRY MADE.

Mr. G.M. - On his 5th birthday, Manny retired from the track. This November 2006 fellow is a handsome brindle boy who had a long career both in TX and WV. He was a particu-lar favorite of his train-er, Wayne. Easy going, cat safe and small dog scared, he would make a wonderful companion. He is currently being fostered in the PA area by Addie.

the loss of a friend laura pike 10

I just wanted to mention the passing of a dear friend, and great lady, Nancy L. Duke. I was introduced to Nancy and her hus-band Floyd more than fourteen years ago. We became fast friends and despite the distance between New York and Florida, we stayed in touch, emailing every day and talking weekly. Nancy had an immense passion for the greyhounds. At Ebro she worked as a kennel helper and also as a security guard. She and Floyd even raised a handful of litters in their home. She enjoyed the beauty of the greyhound running, but even more she loved sharing her home with them as companions. She often helped with fostering dogs from the track until they made their way to adoption here in Buffalo. Other ways Nancy would show her love for the dogs was through sewing. She made decorative collars and beauti-ful coats for them to wear. Nancy truly enjoyed hearing stories and get-ting pictures from the families that adopted the dogs. I loved and respected Nancy very much and treasured our friendship. Her tireless dedication to the greyhounds and willingness to share her knowledge will be missed by a great many. Godspeed Nancy, I know you are with the greyhound angels you loved so much.

Nancy Duke with her greyhound, Dime.

Carrie- a Duke pup.

Foto and Digger

A litter of Duke dogs

where we’ve been11

GAL Gala – Our 3rd annual Spring gathering was another well at-tended social event. GAL adopters from NY and PA were on hand to enjoy the lazy afternoon visit-ing and snacking on all the special dishes our folks were kind enough to contribute. Congrats to the folks that won the raffle items.

Easter Bunny Photos – The GALs held a fundraiser hosted by Stap-ley Feed Center. It was very well attended and raised some much needed funds. Thank you to volun-teer Mark Caughel for his work and to all our furry friends that came out to support this event.

Presentation – GALs had the plea-sure of providing a talk to Brownie Troops 379 & 892 at the Ben Frank-lin Elementary School. The girls were very interested in the dogs and asked a lot of good questions. The girls also surprised us with blankets and towels they had collected.

Wheeling Trip – Six of us that ventured out to Wheeling to watch races and pick up dogs had another good time. Lunch with Wayne and Cheryl Piquette was enjoy-able. They took us to the Gable Race Kennel and then to the farm for some quick visits. A couple of lucky dogs hitched a ride back to Buffalo for adoption. Thanks to

those of you who participated and to Wayne and Cheryl for being exceptional hosts.

Holland Tulip Festival – Well folks, we finally did it! Walked in a parade and finished it without getting rained on. We had a great showing of volunteers and dogs and the crowds were very recep-tive and cheered at the sight of our dogs. Great job everyone.

Annual Picnic – The GAL Pic-nic was held July 30th and what a lovely day it was. Sunshine and beautiful shade trees were the set-ting for a relaxing afternoon spent with friends and hounds alike. Lots of food and treats donated by the GAL folks. We enjoyed a cool off stroll through the creek and a shaded walk through the trees. Thanks to the many folks that came and enjoyed the surroundings. Thank you to Mark & Jen Caughel

where we’ve been 12

for being such gracious hosts. Con-gratulations to the lucky door prize winners, Wrigley, Orbit, Ojoe and Luke. They all received beautiful bowwowbonnets.

Eden Corn Festival Parade – Wow folks, two parades in a row, we made it through without be-ing rained on! All joking aside we had a nice turnout of hounds and

humans and enjoyed walking the parade route. Once again the resi-dents of Eden were pleased to see the GALs.

Erie County Fair – It was our good fortune along with, of course, the greyhounds that we were invited for a fourth year as exhibitors at the Historical Building this August. Once again, Mark came up with a

Fair themed T-shirt that had folks stopping and asking where they could get one! We appreciate so much the generosity of the Histori-cal Association, Dee Z., and all of the folks that make it possible for the greyhounds to be presented in such an upbeat and comfortable fashion.

Photos with Santa - Despite a change of location, this fundraiser remained as popular as it has in years past. Our customers were drawn in many different ways- TV, radio, word of mouth and even curious passers-by. Of couse, our regular groupies and greyhound friends were also there for the fes-tivities. Our first year in this venue proved very successful, and we are already planning bigger and bet-ter things for this event next year. Be sure to join us then- it is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.

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Nellie McLean (Nerud) - Nellie raced in Wheeling WV and then became a brood mom. She was quiet and sweet and really blossomed with the patience of her family the McLean’s. Though it was a short time, she was fortunate to enjoy retirement with her beagle brother Ralph.

Ox Forman (DB Octane) – Ox was a favorite of the assistant trainer at Rayn-ham MA. He was elegant and stoic and completely stole the heart of his mom Linda. Ox was truly a gentleman in every sense. Godspeed, Ox.

Angus DeLong (Angus The Giant) - He was my constant companion, my best friend and my shadow. Angus was always by my side, touching me, lay-ing on me, following me and keeping my company. Losing him has been like losing a part of myself. A gentle giant for sure, he was a true and loyal companion to Becky.

Butterfly Piquette (Gable Butterfly) – Butterfly retired from racing in TX and FL and had a career has a brood mom. After four litters Butterfly enjoyed retirement on the couch and part of the Piquette family.

Sonny Munro (Cee Bar Ed) – Sonny retired from Wheeling WV and enjoyed the good life with his canine siblings. He enjoyed his daily walks and being spoiled by his family.

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Joe Paschen (Joes Procedure) – Joe enjoyed his retirement being part of the Paschen Pack. Joe was an independent thinker but fit right into his adopted family. They appreci-ated his intelligence and sense of humor. Joe was a former racer in IA.

Bacchus Domenech (N’s Bongo Benji) - We miss you Bacchus “AKA: N’s Bongo Benji”, This was your last car ride and your new journey begins. Thanks for the many years. Love ya big boy. Bacchus had raced in Florida before retiring to Webster NY.

Dude Dunn (Who Is The Man) – Dude was a stunning white and black boy that raced at Wonderland MA. He retired at the same time as his twin brother. Dude was an easy going boy that was loved very much by his family. Justin Cleaver (Ditto Justin) – Justin’s career

spanned four tracks in the states of IA and FL. He more than earned his retirement home and lived very happily as an important member with the Cleavers. He will be missed.Arnie Beach (Juntao) – Arnie retired

in 2003 from racing in FL and MA. He enjoyed his retirement as part of the Beach family until his recent passing.

Winston Cross (WJ Piano Man) – Winston retired from Plainfield CT and quickly became a very special boy to his mother. He was often seen out volunteering to promote greyhound adoption. After the passing of his sister Mercedes one month earlier, he has joined her over the bridge.

Mercedes Cross (Gertrude) – When Mercedes first retired to Buffalo, she was a timid and shy greyhound. With patience and encouragement from her family, she blossomed into the perfect greyhound volunteer. She passed away after reaching 15 years of age.

she’s ‘special needs’ karen rohe 15

My sweet foster dog, Bull Run received the label ‘Special Needs’ when she came to Buffalo because she has difficulty with her rear legs. Bull has whelped 32 puppies, has a large corn on her rear foot, abraded pads (after being introduced to Buffalo blacktop versus Florida sand), and is 11 ½ years old. Bull is the equivalent of an 80 year old grandma with 4 sets of octuplets, 500 grandchildren, calloused feet and a large, sharp stone in her shoe. In my opinion that would make anyone cranky, however not Bull. She will greet you with her soulful eyes and a huge tail wag, all while trying to make her way to you on two legs that don’t always cooperate. There are differences in fostering a special needs or senior grey than a younger, healthy dog. Bull needs help in and out the door to go potty, even

though it is only one step. Her feet are medicated and wrapped several times a day to help with the abrasions and the corn. I’m on constant watch to see if she needs anything, anything at all. Of course, she’s playing me a bit with this one. If after eating she turns her sad eyes my way and pants a little, I’m quick to fill up her special water bowl and bring it right to her! Bull needs to be pottied separately from the boys. Pepperoni & Luke like to go on loooong walks for potty time. Belle is not able to endure a long walk, and I try to keep her off of the pavement as much as possible. Her potty time is a quick walk up and down the side yard, and then back into the house she comes. Oh, then she pants and turns those beautiful brown

eyes my way, and gets her water delivered to her, along with a cookie. Bull gets fed at the same time as the boys, but in her crate. She has a wonderful appetite and eats all of her food in one sitting. Unlike the boys, who tend to potty before meals (odd, I know), she needs to go RIGHT NOW after meals. So, I need to be prepared and totally unoccupied when she eats so she can go potty NOW, NOW, NOW. Then, of course, when she comes in from the strenuous exercise of pottying, she gets her water and a cookie delivered directly to her. There will be extra vet visits, slower walks, soulful eyes, and personalized water deliveries. Fos-tering a “special needs” greyhound takes patience and some extra time. But the loving looks and tail wags are well worth it. After spending a week with Bull Run, I can as-sure you that there is much more emphasis on “Spe-cial” than on “Needs”.

picture page

Can you spot thedifferences betweenthese two photos? (Hint: there are seven.)Answers below.

Answer: Barn vent, chimney is moved, sign missing, window larger, ear, tail and tag.

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